Name of the Procedure:

Injection of medication or other substance into Tenon's capsule

Summary

In this procedure, a medication or other therapeutic substance is injected into Tenon's capsule, a thin membrane that envelops the eye. It is commonly done to treat eye-related conditions by delivering medication directly to the area around the eyeball.

Purpose

• Medical Condition or Problem Addressed: Treats various ocular diseases such as inflammation, infections, or certain types of eye pain.
• Goals or Expected Outcomes: To reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, treat infections, or provide long-lasting medication control directly to the eye.

Indications

• Chronic uveitis or other inflammatory eye diseases.
• Severe or resistant infections.
• Painful eye conditions that require localized treatment.
• Intraocular pressure control in specific glaucoma cases.
• Patient criteria include those who have not responded to topical medications or require localized treatment.

Preparation

• Pre-Procedure Instructions:
  • Patients may be advised to fast for a few hours before the procedure if sedation is used.
  • Review current medications and adjust as recommended by the healthcare provider.
• Diagnostic Tests or Assessments:
  • Complete eye examination.
  • Blood tests or imaging studies, if deemed necessary.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is seated or lying down comfortably.
2. The eye area is cleaned and prepped to maintain a sterile environment.
3. Local anesthesia is applied to the eye to minimize discomfort.
4. A small needle is used to inject the medication or substance into Tenon's capsule.
5. The procedure typically uses fine needles and syringes specifically designed for ocular injections.
6. The injection process itself is brief, taking only a few minutes.

Duration

The entire procedure usually takes about 10 to 20 minutes, with the injection portion lasting only a few minutes.

Setting

Performed in an outpatient clinic or a specialized ophthalmology office.

Personnel

• Ophthalmologist (eye specialist) performs the procedure.
• A nurse or medical assistant may assist the ophthalmologist.

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Mild pain or discomfort, redness, and temporary blurred vision.
• Rare Risks: Infection, bleeding, increased intraocular pressure, and damage to ocular structures.
• Management: Most complications can be managed with medication or additional treatments as necessary.

Benefits

• Expected Benefits: Reduction in inflammation, pain relief, control of infection, and targeted treatment delivery.
• Timeline: Benefits may be observed within a few days to weeks, depending on the condition being treated.

Recovery

• Post-Procedure Care: Application of cold compresses, avoiding rubbing the eye, and using prescribed eye drops.
• Expected Recovery Time: Most patients recover within a few days, but full healing may take up to a week.
• Restrictions & Follow-Up: Avoid strenuous activity for a short period and attend follow-up appointments as scheduled.

Alternatives

• Other Treatment Options:
  • Oral or topical medications.
  • Surgical interventions for severe cases.
• Pros and Cons:
  • Alternatives may be less invasive but might be less effective for localized treatment.
  • This procedure provides direct delivery of medication, ensuring higher efficacy for certain conditions.

Patient Experience

• During the Procedure: Mild discomfort and pressure, but generally well-tolerated due to local anesthesia.

• After the Procedure: Mild soreness and redness; pain management includes over-the-counter pain relievers and prescribed eye drops.

  Careful adherence to post-procedure instructions and follow-up visits can ensure optimal recovery and treatment efficacy.